University of Louisiana oak trees should not be sacrificed

While visiting University of Louisiana at Lafayette, I was horrified to see that the utility company had disfigured the majestic century-old oak trees that line St. Mary Boulevard, presumably to prevent the trees from causing an electrical outage due to a storm. These graceful oaks are a local and national treasure which thousands enjoy daily and amaze visitors from around the world. They are a part of an entire network of oaks that were planted under UL's first president, Dr. Edwin Stephens, who, incidentally, started the Live Oak Society which has thousands of members nationwide. These noble oaks were virtually never touched for a hundred years, and then suddenly, they are senselessly disfigured - a decision that has implications for the future generations who may not be able to share them in their pristine condition.

This tragedy was avoidable since the electrical lines could have been buried. There is, of course, an added expense in burying the lines, but the dividends are immeasurably greater if you consider the benefits that an aesthetically pleasing campus can bring. These oaks have the potential of one day becoming a great tourist attraction, and, in my opinion, they qualify to be placed on the National Register of Historical Places (a division of the U.S. National Parks). The time has come to see that the lines are buried so that further damage can not take place and future generations will also be able to experience these blessings, as well.

Rusty Chastant

Lafayette

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University of Louisiana oak trees should not be sacrificed

While visiting University of Louisiana at Lafayette, I was horrified to see that the utility company had disfigured the majestic century-old oak trees that line St. Mary Boulevard, presumably to